Wat Tham Klong Phen

Wat Tham Klong Phen is in Non Than subdistrict, Mueang Nong Bua Lamphu district, at the foot of the Phu Phan range in north-east Thailand. Thai Wikipedia notes a cave here with an old two-faced drum inside it.

Luang Pu Khao Analayo, a disciple of Ajahn Mun, came here in early 1958 after decades of wandering in the forests and mountains. Love Thailand says the site, an old religious place, had been deserted; Ajahn Maha Bua’s biography of him describes it as deep jungle at the time. He stayed until he died in 1983, training the monks and novices, and the temple is now closely tied to his memory.

The grounds are large and wooded, with about two kilometres of internal road. Visitors can see the cave hall, his hut (kuti), a pagoda and memorial pavilion, a relics museum with his robes, bowl, umbrella tent and photographs, and a wax-figure museum. The relics museum shows the plain side of forest life: few possessions, and simple tools for practice.

Love Thailand describes him as known for strict practice, simplicity and solitude. Ajahn Maha Bua’s biography of him, Venerable Ajaan Khao Anālayo: A True Spiritual Warrior, calls its chapter on this place “Cave of the Midday Drum” and describes the teaching he gave here, beginning with the four purities of morality.

Come as a pilgrim. Dress modestly, speak quietly, and ask before photographing monks.